This species is known only from the type locality on the eastern versant of the Cordillera Azul (Departamento Ucayali), ca. 3km by road after Divisoria on the Tingo Mariá-Pucallpa road, Peru. It was collected at an elevation of 1,600m asl.

Habitat and Ecology

It is recorded from primary montane tropical forest; it is not known whether or not it occurs in modified habitats. Breeding is believed to take place in streams, like other species in the genus.

Population

There is no information on the population of this species. It appears that the last record was in 1992, but the lack of subsequent observations might be due to lack of survey work.

Population Trend

decreasing

Major Threats

The major threat is likely to be chytridiomycosis, leading to a catastrophic population decline, as has occurred in many other montane species of Atelopus. The chytrid pathogen has yet to be found in this species, but the disease is known to be spreading in northern Peru. Its habitat might also be threatened by small-scale agriculture (e.g., cocoa and tea), but this requires further confirmation.

Conservation Actions

The presence of this species in the Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul is possible, but is not confirmed. Further survey work is required to determine the current population status of this species. Given the threat of chytridiomycosis, recommended conservation measures will probably need to include the establishment of a captive-breeding programme.

Red List Status

Critically Endangered (CR)

Rationale

Listed as Critically Endangered because of a projected population decline, estimated to be more than 80% over the next ten years, inferred from declines in other high altitude Atelopus species in the same region, probably due to chytridiomycosis.